Severe heat wave is sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Dhaka, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Manikganj, Narayanganj, Rajshahi and Pabna while mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping elsewhere over the country and it may continue, met office forecasts on Monday.
Country’s maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded 41.8 degrees Celsius jointly at Jashore and Chuadanga. Prolonged dry spell with no immediate signs of rain is causing misery for people in the country, which have witnessed temperatures soaring to 36-42 degrees Celsius.
Warm and dry weather condition is expected to continue for the next couple of days. The elderly, infants and young children, the obese, outdoor workers, and those with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk during excessive heat condition.
The scorching heat wave and high humidity levels are hindering life at all levels. Acute water crisis in many areas especially of capital Dhaka, other metropolitan cities, district towns and even remote village has compounded sufferings of the people.
Temperature was relatively higher in the west, north and central regions of the country than in the south and east regions.
We all have to remain extra
cautious against the current
hot spell and
avoid the burning sun
The heat wave brought the worst sufferings to the working-class people, like - day labourers, rickshaw pullers and farmers, especially those who work outdoor.
On the other hand, sales of seasonal fruits, iced juices, and ice cream have also gone up from the high demand to cool the body, and the sales persons are also taking advantage of the situation hiking prices of these products.
Many people were seen drinking various unsafe colourful drinks from roadside vendors amid scorching summer heat, risking being infected by different diseases as these drinks are made from substandard ingredients and served in unhygienic ways. Physicians caution such contaminated juice or drink can cause various diseases like diarrhoea, jaundice, typhoid, cholera, and paratyphoid.
Population exposure to heat is increasing due to climate change, WHO says, adding globally extreme temperature events are observed to be increasing in their frequency, duration, and magnitude.
People should refrain from drinking such contaminated drinks and not leave their homes unless there is an emergency.
Heat waves can have a significant impact on society, including a rise in heat-related deaths. Therefore, we all have to remain extra cautious against the current hot spell and avoid the burning sun.
